Weight Changing Systems And Methods, and Fitness Equipment Incorporating Same

ABSTRACT

Weight changing systems and methods as well as fitness equipment incorporating weight changing systems are provided. One weight changing system includes a frame, weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each weight has a receiving member bordered by an opening. The weight carriage has latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a receiving member. The control system is configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and particularly to weight changing systems and methods as well as fitness equipment incorporating weight changing systems.

Traditional fitness machines include horizontally-oriented weights that are stacked one on top of another. A vertical rod passes beside or through the stack of weights and is connected to a user input (e.g., a bench press bar, a leg extension device, et cetera) through a cable or other force-transfer element. To associate an amount of weight with the rod (and thus the user input), a pin is typically inserted through a hole in the rod below one of the weights. When force is applied through the user input, the vertical rod and all weights above the pin are moved. To change the amount of weight associated with the rod (and thus the user input), the operator manually removes the pin and inserts the pin through another hole in the rod below another of the weights. On many fitness systems, moving the pin requires the operator to move from a fitness station (i.e., the location where a fitness activity is performed) to an area where the weights are stored. Because the operator must stop the fitness activity to move the pin, it is often not practical for the operator to incrementally change the amount of weight associated with the user input during each lift (or “repetition”) of a set of repetitions. And even infrequent manual adjustments in associated weight may be overly burdensome for users.

SUMMARY

Weight changing systems and methods as well as fitness equipment incorporating weight changing systems are disclosed, and the present invention is defined by the claims below. According to one embodiment, a weight changing system includes a frame, a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each of the weights has a receiving member bordered by an opening. The weight carriage has a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member. The control system is configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.

According to another embodiment, a weight changing system includes a frame, a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each of the weights has a receiving member bordered by an opening. The weight carriage has a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member. The control system is configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights. Activating at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially: (a) at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions, overcoming force imparted by at least one of the biasing members; (b) at least one of the hook portions to interfere with at least one of the receiving members; and (c) at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.

According to still another embodiment, a weight changing system includes a frame, a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each of the weights has a receiving member. The weight carriage extends generally horizontally and is movable generally vertically, and the weight carriage has a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member. The control system is configured to select a respective weight for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate a respective actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights. The control system includes a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device. Activating the actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially: (a) the respective actuator to impart force on a respective trigger portion, overcoming force imparted by a respective biasing member; (b) a respective hook portion to interfere with a respective receiving member; and (c) the respective hook portion to extend around and engage the respective receiving member.

According to yet another embodiment, a weight changing system includes a frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, and a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage. Each of the weights is selectively coupled to the weight carriage. The control system has a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device, and the processor includes programming to cause the user output device to indicate when at least one of the weights has been fully lifted and when at least one of the weights has been fully lowered.

According to still yet another embodiment, fitness equipment includes a weight changing system and a force-transfer element. The weight changing system includes a frame, a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each of the weights has a receiving member bordered by an opening. The weight carriage has a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member. The control system is configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members. The force-transfer element is coupled to the weight carriage for moving the weight carriage upwardly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weight changing system according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weight carriage and encoder track from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a latch assembly from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the weight carriage and a portion of a weight from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the weight changing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the weight changing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 a is a partial view taken from FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a control system of the weight changing system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8 a through 8 f show exemplary outputs of a user output device of the control system of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide weight changing systems and methods as well as fitness equipment incorporating weight changing systems. One embodiment of a weight changing system 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 f. The weight changing system 100 includes a frame 110, a plurality of weights 120, a weight carriage 150, and a control system 180.

The frame 110 (FIG. 1) is rigid and includes a base 111, a pair of primary guideposts 112 extending generally upwardly from opposite ends of the base 111, and secondary guideposts 114 extending generally upwardly from the base 111. An upper end 116 of the frame 110 is connected to the base 111 by a wall 117, and it may be desirable for the guideposts 112, 114 to extend from the base 111 to the upper end 116. The guideposts 112, 114 are shown being generally cylindrical, but may also have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular or octagonal. Non-circular cross-sectional shapes may be particularly useful, for example, if only one primary guidepost 112 is used. The frame 110 may be constructed of various materials, such as steel, other metals, plastics, composites, et cetera.

The weights 120 may extend between the primary guideposts 112 and are generally juxtaposed so that each weight 120 may be moved independently of the other weights 120. The weights 120 have distinct engagement portions 122 and mass portions 132, and the portions 122, 132 may be coupled in any appropriate manner, such as by bolts 130 (FIG. 4), welding, pins, et cetera. In other embodiments, the portions 122, 132 may be formed of a unitary block of material, such that no coupling is necessary, or the mass portion 132 may be incorporated into the engagement portion 122. It may be desirable for mass to vary between at least some of the weights 120, though in some embodiments each weight 120 may have a uniform mass.

To provide a wide variety of different mass combinations while minimizing the number of weights 120 in the system 100 (which may reduce the manufacturing and shipping costs of the system 100, as well as the physical size or “footprint” of the system 100), it may be desirable for a minimum mass to be selected for one weight 120, and for subsequent weights 120 to approximately double in mass. So, if the smallest weight 120 is five pounds, for example, subsequent weights 120 may weigh ten pounds, twenty pounds, forty pounds, eighty pounds, et cetera. Such a selection of weights 120 may provide combinations that are unique, with each combination having more or less mass than other combinations. Continuing with the above example for illustration, only one combination of weights 120 can be made to reach five pounds, ten pounds, fifteen pounds, twenty pounds, twenty-five pounds, thirty pounds, thirty five pounds, forty pounds, et cetera.

Returning now to the configuration of the weights 120, the engagement portions 122 each include a receiving member 124 bordered by an opening sufficient to allow a hook portion 164 a (discussed below) to extend around and engage the receiving member 124. The receiving member 124 shown in FIG. 4 is a cylindrical bar oriented horizontally and attached at its ends. The mass portions 132 may be shaped generally rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, or may be shaped as otherwise desired. To allow the weights 120 to be raised and lowered relative to the frame 110, the engagement portions 122 and the mass portions 132 may be sized to be positioned between the secondary guideposts 114. And as shown in FIG. 1, rubberized mats 140 or other cushioning devices may be used to reduce the effects of impact between the weights 120 and the base 111 as the weights 120 are lowered. Various materials may be used to construct the weights 120, such as steel, other metals, plastics or composites filled with sand or other contents, et cetera. In some embodiments, the engagement portions 122 may extend beyond the mass portions 132 and contact the secondary guideposts 114, and it may be particularly desirable in those embodiments for the engagement portions to include material or lubricant that allows the weights 120 to move relative to the secondary guideposts 114 with little friction.

Attention is now directed to the weight carriage 150, shown throughout the drawings. The weight carriage 150 has a generally horizontally extending elongate frame 152 with a pair of guide bearings 154 configured to receive the primary guideposts 112 such that the weight carriage 150 can move along the guideposts 112 with little friction. An attachment point or mechanism 155 (FIGS. 2 and 5) allows the frame 152 to be coupled to a cable 10 or other force-transfer element for moving the weight carriage 150 upwardly, and gravity may bias the weight carriage 150 downwardly. The weight carriage 150 further includes a series of latch assemblies 160 and a series of actuators 170.

A latch assembly 160 according to one embodiment is best shown in FIG. 3 and includes a housing 162 and a pivotally-reciprocating member 164 rotatably coupled to the housing 162 by a shaft 165. The reciprocating member 164 has a hook portion 164 a on one side of the shaft 165 and an opposed trigger portion 164 b on another side of the shaft 165. The hook portion 164 a is configured to extend around and engage the receiving member 124, and the trigger portion 164 b is in turn configured to receive input from a respective actuator 170 and a spring 166 or other biasing member for pivoting the reciprocating member 164 about the shaft 165. Stops 167 limit the travel of the reciprocating member 164.

The actuators 170 are coupled to the frame 152 adjacent the latch assemblies 160 such that each trigger portion 164 b is paired with—and travels with—a respective actuator 170. The actuators 170 may be, for example, electromagnetic solenoid actuators having a center rod 171 that is moved out of a body 172 when electrically energized (FIG. 4). In such embodiments, the center rods 171 selectively impart force on the trigger portions 164 b to overcome the forces imparted by the springs 166 and rotate the reciprocating members 164 about the shafts 165. Other embodiments may use motor-actuated cams, pneumatically-actuated retractable rods, or other appropriate actuators.

One embodiment of the control system 180 is shown in FIG. 7. The control system 180 controls the actuators 170 and may include various elements, such as a processor 182 (FIG. 2), a position sensor 183 (FIG. 6 a), a user input device 186 (e.g., at least one of a touch screen, switch, knob, scanning device, et cetera), and a user output device 187 (e.g., at least one of a touch screen, another visual display, or an audible alarm). In one embodiment, the position sensor 183 includes an encoder that interacts with an encoder track 184 (which is coupled to and moves with the weight carriage 150) to determine the location of the weight carriage 150 relative to the frame 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other position sensors may be used, however, including for example contact switches, electromagnetic proximity switches, and light sensing devices.

While not specifically shown incorporated into fitness equipment (e.g., a bench press device, a leg press device, et cetera), those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the weight changing system 100 and alternate embodiments may be incorporated into prior art (or future) fitness equipment to replace the prior art weight selection devices. A bench press bar, leg press plate, or other element would simply be coupled to the cable 10 or other force-transfer element, and in turn coupled to the attachment point or mechanism 155.

In use, the control system 180, typically using input from the user (e.g., through the user input device 186 before beginning a set of repetitions), selects which weight(s) 120 to couple to the weight carriage 150. For example, to select which weights 120 to couple to the weight carriage 150, the control system 180 may follow a routine (e.g., a predetermined number of repetitions using certain weights 120, followed by predetermined numbers of repetitions using different weights 120) using programming and input from the user. In some embodiments, as shown by the exemplary outputs of the touchscreen 186, 187 at FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, a user may log into a saved profile having one or more routine by scanning (using scanning device 186′) an identification card or other item having computer-readable indicia and/or by entering information through the touchscreen 186, 187. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that routines may be accessible without logging into a profile, however. Moreover, the processor 182 may for example determine, using data from the sensor 183, that a user is not making complete lifts and may alter the selected weights 120 accordingly. The processor 182 then determines which actuator(s) 170 to activate in order to couple the selected weight(s) 120.

In one method of use, once the position sensor 183 (or the processor 182 using data from the sensor 183) determines that the hook portions 164 a have passed below the receiving members 124 a sufficient distance such that the hook portions 164 a will not interfere with the receiving members 124, the processor 182 activates the appropriate actuators 170. The appropriate actuators 170—via rods 171—in turn impart force on the trigger portions 164 b to overcome the forces imparted by the springs 166 and rotate the reciprocating members 164 about the shafts 165, causing the hook portions 164 a to pass under and engage the receiving members 124.

In another method of use, before the position sensor 183 (or the processor 182 using data from the sensor 183) determines that the hook portions 164 a have passed below the receiving members 124 a sufficient distance such that the hook portions 164 a will not interfere with the receiving members 124, the processor 182 activates the appropriate actuators 170. The appropriate actuators 170—via rods 171—in turn impart force on the trigger portions 164 b to overcome the forces imparted by the springs 166 and rotate the reciprocating members 164 about the shafts 165, causing the hook portions 164 a to interfere with the receiving members 124. However, the actuators 170 may be configured to briefly retract, allowing the weight carriage 150 to proceed downwardly with the reciprocating members 164 only briefly repositioned. Once the interference ends, the hook portions 164 a may immediately pass under and engage the receiving members 124. This method of use may allow the weights 120 to be very quickly coupled to the weight carrier 150 with an absolute minimal amount of travel of the hook portion 164 a below the receiving members 124.

To release a respective weight 120, the processor 182 de-activates the associated actuator 170. While the weight 120 is located on the base 111 and the associated hook portion 164 a is at least slightly disengaged from the receiving member 124, the spring 166 rotates the reciprocating member 164 associated with the weight 120, causing the hook portion 164 a to release the weight 120.

Programming in the processor may cause the user output device 187 to indicate when a weight 120 has been fully lifted and when the weight 120 has been fully lowered. As shown in FIG. 8 c, the output device 187 may provide a visual indicator 187 a when a weight 120 is fully lowered. An audible alarm may accompany or replace the visual indicator 187 a. FIGS. 8 d through 8 f show an exemplary visual indicator 187 b on the output device 187 representing position of a weight 120 as the weight 120 is being raised and lowered. The visual indicator 187 b may, for example, be green or another color so long as the weight 120 is being properly lifted, may be red or another color when the weight 120 is not completely lowered, and may be yellow or another color when the weight 120 is not completely raised. By utilizing these indications, users may obtain the full benefits of the exercise. In addition, by briefly waiting to lift the carriage 150 again until the user output device 187 indicates that the weight 120 has been fully lowered, any corresponding delay in engaging and/or releasing weights 120 may be inconsequential.

The signals from the user output device 187 may be particularly important, as improperly lifting the weights 120 may prevent a dwell period from occurring, prohibiting the system 100 from engaging and/or releasing weights 120. In other words, if the carriage 150 is not sufficiently lowered, the system 100 may not be able to engage and/or release weights 120 prior to the carriage 150 being raised, and the user output device 187 may help solve this issue by indicating when the carriage 150 should be lifted. So long as the user follows the indicators provided by the user output device 187, the dwell period may be predictable and consistent and the weights 120 may be engaged and/or released.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and alternative embodiments that do not depart from the invention's scope will become apparent to those skilled in the art. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. 

1. A weight changing system, comprising: a frame; a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member bordered by an opening; a weight carriage movable relative to the frame; the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators; each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions; each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member; and a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.
 2. The weight changing system of claim 1, wherein: the receiving member of one of the weights is a bar oriented generally horizontally; and the bar extends in open space such that the entire perimeter of the bar at a cross section formed by an imaginary vertical plane does not touch any other portion of the weight.
 3. The weight changing system of claim 1, wherein the actuators are solenoids.
 4. The weight changing system of claim 1, wherein the weight carriage includes a plurality of biasing members.
 5. The weight changing system of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device.
 6. The weight changing system of claim 5, wherein the processor includes programming to cause the user output device to indicate when at least one of the weights has been fully lifted and when at least one of the weights has been fully lowered.
 7. The weight changing system of claim 6, wherein the position sensor includes an encoder that interacts with an encoder track to determine position of the weight carriage.
 8. The weight changing system of claim 7, wherein: the actuators are solenoids; the weight carriage includes a plurality of biasing members; the receiving member of one of the weights is a bar oriented generally horizontally; and the bar extends in open space such that the entire perimeter of the bar at a cross section formed by an imaginary vertical plane does not touch any other portion of the weight.
 9. A weight changing system, comprising: a frame; a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member bordered by an opening; a weight carriage movable relative to the frame; the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators; each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions; each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member; and a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights; wherein activating at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially: (a) at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions, overcoming force imparted by at least one of the biasing members; (b) at least one of the hook portions to interfere with at least one of the receiving members; and (c) at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.
 10. The weight changing system of claim 9, wherein the control system includes a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device.
 11. The weight changing system of claim 10, wherein the processor includes programming to cause the user output device to indicate when at least one of the weights has been fully lifted and when at least one of the weights has been fully lowered.
 12. The weight changing system of claim 11, wherein the processor includes programming to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage based on input from the user input device.
 13. The weight changing system of claim 12, wherein the processor includes programming to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage based on input from the position sensor.
 14. The weight changing system of claim 13, wherein the weight carriage includes an attachment point where the weight carriage is coupled to a force-transfer element for moving the weight carriage upwardly.
 15. The weight changing system of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a base, a pair of guideposts extending generally upwardly from opposite ends of the base, and at least one secondary guidepost extending generally upwardly from the base.
 16. A weight changing system, comprising: a frame; a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member; a weight carriage movable relative to the frame; the weight carriage extending generally horizontally and being movable generally vertically; the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators; each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions; each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member; and a control system configured to select a respective weight for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate a respective actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights; the control system including a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device; wherein activating the actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially: (a) the respective actuator to impart force on a respective trigger portion, overcoming force imparted by a respective biasing member; (b) a respective hook portion to interfere with a respective receiving member; and (c) the respective hook portion to extend around and engage the respective receiving member.
 17. The weight changing system of claim 16, wherein the user input device and the user output device are collectively a touchscreen.
 18. The weight changing system of claim 16, wherein the processor includes programming to cause the user output device to indicate when at least one of the weights has been fully lifted and when at least one of the weights has been fully lowered.
 19. (canceled)
 20. Fitness equipment, comprising: a weight changing system comprising: a frame; a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member bordered by an opening; a weight carriage movable relative to the frame; the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators; each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions; each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member; and a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members; and a force-transfer element coupled to the weight carriage for moving the weight carriage upwardly.
 21. The fitness equipment of claim 20, further comprising at least one item selected from the group consisting of: (a) a bench press bar coupled to the force-transfer element; and (b) a leg press plate coupled to the force-transfer element. 